The JSDAI Express-G Editor is
a tool to create graphical EXPRESS diagrams according to the
specification of EXPRESS-G given in ISO
10303-11. In the following we abbreviate the name of this tool
with JSDAI-EG.
In the current version JSDAI-EG works only in the layout
mode. In this mode one or several EXPRESS schemas are given and
compiled with the JSDAI
ExpressCompiler in advance. The result of the compilation can
then be used to layout EXPRESS diagrams according to the given EXPRESS
schemas. For the future we plan to extend this tool also for the create mode; with this EXPRESS
schemas can then be graphically created or modified.
JSDAI-EG operates on files with
the extension .exg.
These files contain the EXPRESS schema(s) and the graphical layout
details. The .exg files
are similar to .exd file
which are generated by the JSDAI ExpressCompiler. A .exd file
is needed to create a new .exg file
or to update an existing one.
Schema level diagrams support
the fact that one EXPRESS schema can interface other schemas. We
distinguish further between single and
multiple schema level
diagrams.
A single level schema
diagram represent only one top schema and the directly interfaced
schemas. Indirectly interfaced schemas are not visible.
A multi level schema
diagram is able
to show the complete dependencies of many interacting schemas.
In the Entity level diagrams all the
data types such as entities, defined types with all their relations and
attributes, are displayed
In layout mode a schema may be
represented only partially or completely.
For reference purpose a complete graphical layout with all details is
typically required. For explanatory purposes however it is desired to
draw only some main objects and relations, but skip less important
details.
JSDAI-EG supports all features
of EXPRESS-G given in the first and second edition of ISO 10303-11.